Assistant Cook (Term)

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 38,572 - 41,328; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Health insurance from day one

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Harvard University HUDS is seeking a skilled cook to prepare and present menu items in a high‑volume university dining operation. You will follow standardized recipes, ensure food safety, and work across back- and front‑of‑house stations.

The role requires at least three years of prep experience, proficiency in English, strong math skills for measuring, and multitasking ability in a fast‑paced environment. The position is a 32‑hour-per-week, on‑site opportunity with Harvard benefits.

Qualifications

• Must have proficiency with the English language (speaking, reading and writing).
• Minimum three years of relevant food preparation experience in hospitality industry.
• Culinary ability to execute recipes with technical understanding of all cooking methods.
• Must have basic math skills and ability to analyze thermometers, scales and other measuring devices.
• Must have proficiency with kitchen tools and equipment without restrictions.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and cooks menu items according to proper preparation methods in small batches and/or as required by business needs.
• Tastes and evaluates all food before service to ensure food quality standards are met and consults manager as needed.
• Reads and follows standardized recipes.
• Fries, grills, sautés, roasts, bakes, braises and steams food products as needed.
• Heats soups, sauces and prepared products to required temperatures before serving.
• Carves or slices meat for service in back-of-house or front-of-house as needed.
• Assists in the preparation and presentation of catered functions.
• Maintains sanitation and temperature logs and follows HACCP procedures.
• Demonstrates a clean as you go approach and keeps workspace organized.

Skills

English proficiency

Multitasking

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard\'s world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University\'s Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university\'s overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

• Prepares and cooks menu items according to proper preparation methods in small batches and/or as required by business needs.


• Tastes and evaluates all food before service to ensure food quality standards are met, consults manager with any concerns.


• Reads and follows standardized recipes.


• Fries, grills, sautés, roasts, bakes, braises and steams food products as needed.


• Heats soups, sauces and prepared products ensuring product has reached appropriate temperature before preserving.


• Carves or slices meat for service both in back‑of‑house setting and at carving stations in front‑of‑house setting when necessary.


• Assists in the preparation and presentation of catered functions.


• Cools, refrigerates, labels and properly stores food according to HACCP procedures.


• Knowledgeable in use of all standard kitchen equipment.


• Demonstrates a “Clean as you go” philosophy maintaining sanitary and organized work space and equipment.


• Leaves workstation clean and well‑stocked.


• Accurately records portion amount of food used during meals on service records.


• Accurately measures food temperatures.


• Recycles products per policy and procedure.


• Accurately fills out sanitation and temperature logs and food service records as required. Informs person in charge when corrective action is needed.


• Follows sanitation standards in compliance with all regulatory agencies including Harvard Environmental Health and Safety regulations.


• Complies with State of Massachusetts and Dining Services’ “Food Employee Illness Policy”.


• Communicates effectively and works cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management team and guests.


• Represents HUDS to students, faculty, staff and guests in a positive and professional manner.


• Works to meet the mission and core values of Harvard University Dining Services with enthusiasm and spirit of cooperation.


• Attends trainings as assigned.


• Maintains current certifications as required.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to routinely lift 50 lbs. without restrictions.


• Continuous: standing, manual dexterity, reaching, walking, lifting, handling.


• Frequent: push/pull, bending.


• Occasional: climbing, squatting, sitting.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.


• Must have proficiency with the English language (speaking, reading and writing).


• Minimum three years of relevant food preparation experience in hospitality industry.


• Must have culinary ability to execute recipes with technical understanding of all cooking methods.


• Must have basic math skills and ability to analyze digital and analog thermometers, scales, and other measuring devices.


• Must have proficiency with kitchen tools and equipment without restrictions.


• Must have relevant knife skills.


• Must be able to follow directions.


• Must be neat in appearance and comply with proper dress code as designated by HUDS.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• ServSafe certification within first year of employment.


• Previous experience in a University environment preferred.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.


• Strong multi‑tasking skills.


• Excellent communication skills.


• Ability to work cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse set of staff, management and guests.


• Ability to work in a fast‑paced diverse environment.


• Customer service oriented.

Certificates and Licenses:

• ServSafe certification within first year of employment.

Additional Information

Appointment End Date: This is a term position with an end date of 5/15/2027

Standard Hours/Schedule: 32 hours per week

• Sunday & Monday 6:00am – 3:00pm, Tuesday & Wednesday 10:45am – 7:45pm

Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): 28.09 – 29.83

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Drug Test, References

Other Information:

• Emergency Status Designation: Essential

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work‑life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave.


• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.


• Retirement plans with university contributions.


• Wellbeing and mental health resources.


• Support for families and caregivers.


• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement.


• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks.

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard\'s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university\'s non‑discrimination policy. Harvard\'s equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.